After SHS I attended Northwestern University, starting as a viola major but graduating as an Art History major. In the meantime, I began singing in shows, lounge and club settings and, after college, headed to San Francisco with my first husband, a pianist and singer. We spent a few years entertaining in San Francisco and Northern California before discovering Montana.
Although my first marriage didn't survive, my love for Montana did. I've lived in the Missoula area since 1975 and met my husband Bill Brunner here. We spent the first four years of our daughter Beth's life on a beautiful Blackfoot River ranch, but returned to Missoula in time for Beth to begin school. It was on the ranch that Bill and I began our business, Montana Pitch-Blend Products, Inc., manufacturing all-natural leather conditioners for footwear, saddles and tack and outdoor leather gear. They are now sold worldwide under both our label and the Red Wing All Natural label, which we also package.
Daughter Beth (born in 1983) chose to attend high school at St. Paul's School in Concord, NH, so we're once again just a two-some most of the time. Adjustment to the empty nest has been smooth and the educational and life experience for Beth has been outstanding. Beth, like her parents, loves the arts - she acts, sings, dances, and performs whenever/wherever possible.
Beyond work: at age 40, I embarked upon a mission to learn something new every year: skiing at 41, golf at 43, tap dance at 45, quilting at 46 (a serious addiction which has overtaken all others). Lately I've been doing a lot of genealogy, but most of my "spare" time is spent playing with fabric. Back in the 1970's and 1980's, Bill and I appeared in numerous community theatre shows. After a long absence from the stage, Bill has resumed performing and I toy with the idea of auditioning again but there's always another quilt to start or finish!
I was unable to make it to the 20th and 30th reunions, but I vow to be at the next one! In the meantime, I'll find my black & white photos of the 10th to share through the website.
All in all, life is very good and always filled with surprises.
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